Credit: John Wilcox

ON THE SPOT: Guard Logan Mankins meets the press in the locker room after Patriots practice.

This hasn't been the best of seasons if you're a Patriots captain. Vince Wilfork, one of the defensive captains, was lost for the year with a torn Achilles. Jerod Mayo, the team's other defensive captain, was just put on season-ending injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle. Matthew Slater, special teams captain, has missed the last four games with a broken wrist.

Only Tom Brady and Logan Mankins remain healthy from the Pats captain's circle. Earlier today, Mankins spoke about having another team leader go down for the year.

''We have a lot of leadership on this team. It's not just the guys who are appointed captains,'' said the Pro Bowl guard. ''We have a lot of veteran guys that have been around awhile that know what's expected of them. and everyone else. We'll miss Jerod, but whoever's in that spot is going to do a good job.''

What will Mankins advise everyone going forward?

‘’I think everyone’s sticking together. We’ve got a lot of guys in here. I think the best part is, they’re all good guys. We all pull for each other,'' he said. ''The young guys are all willing and able to do whatever it takes and they work hard and try to learn from the other guys. We have good schemes and good coaches. Our coaches demand a lot from us at practice to work hard. I think that really helps us on Sundays.’’